and israel has carried out an air strike in syria for a second day because syrian mortars have been landing inside israeli territory. israel is also filing a complaint with the united nations. >>> congress return to work today with a daunting agenda. they have seven weeks to reach a budget deal and avoid tax increases known as the fiscal cliff. danielle lee reports with more on the likelihood republicans and democrats will be able to reach a compromise. >> reporter: lawmaker rush to washington, welcoming the newly elected members of congress and promising they're ready for progress. >> we're going to work together to reignite the american dream. >> make no mistake. republicans are offering bipartisan solutions. now it is the president's turn. >> reporter: unless congress reaches a deal which so far has eluded them, the new year will bring about $600 billion in budget cuts. one of the steepest tax increases in 60 years. middle income families will pay b 2,000 more in tax a year. >> let's work on a package that will be just and good for this country. >> reporter: that's where lawmaker disagre